IB: International Bluegrass February 2017

IB bluegrass INTERNATIONAL

Vol. 32 No. 2 February 2017

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW about WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2017

International Bluegrass Editor: Kelly Kessler kelly@ibma.org

Vol. 32 | No. 2 | February 2017

Designer: Erin Faith Erdos erinfaitherdos@gmail.com

STAFF

Paul Schiminger Executive Director

Kelly Kessler Director of Communications and Professional Development

Amy Beth Hale Director of Member Services

Eddie Huffman Director of Convention Services

BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Joe Mullins, Chair Ben Surratt, Vice Chair Denise Jarvinen, Treasurer Regina Derzon, Secretary Alan Tompkins, Executive Committee member

Becky Buller-Artist/Composer/Publisher Jeremy Darrow-Artist/Composer/Publisher Jamie Deering-Merchandisers/Luthiers Mike Drudge-Agents/Managers/Publicists Silvio Ferretti- International John Goad-Print Media/Education Marian Leighton Levy-Recording/ Distribution/Marketing

William Lewis-At Large Steve Martin-At Large Stephen Mougin-At Large Mike Simpson-At Large Wayne Taylor-Artists/Composers/Publishers Bree Tucker-Myers- Event Production Bob Webster-Broadcast Media

INFO CONTACT US

INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS

IB, the monthly digital publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association

(ISSN #1095-0605) IBMA: IBMA is the trade association

4206 Gallatin Road, 37216 USA 615-256-3222 | 888-GET-IBMA Fax: 615-256-0450 Email: info@ibma.org Website: www.ibma.org

that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation of bluegrass music of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Statement of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the writers alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, directors, staff or members of IBMA. Portions of International Bluegrass may be reprinted provided that explicit citation of the source is made: “Reprinted with permission from International Bluegrass, the publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association, www.ibma.org.�

TA B LE O F C ON T E N T S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS

FEBRUARY 2016

TOC Photos: Maria Camillo

world of bluegrass 2017 4 Sponsorship opportunities 6 Official IBMA Showcase Applications Now Open 8 World of Bluegrass 2017 On-Sale Announcement

Plus 9 10 11 13 14

IBMA at Folk Alliance Bluegrass Trust Fund Online Campaign Smoky Mountain Strong: A Bluegrass Benefit New releases Industry news

We value our members. This newsletter is our primary conduit for sharing news across our trade organization. Our goal is to carry news each month from all constituencies of IBMA’s membership. Deadline info: news items and press releases are due at the IBMA office via snail mail or email by the 12th of the month. Submitting before the deadline is encouraged. Email all materials to Kelly here, or mail to 4206 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216.

MEDIA GUIDELINES: • Word .doc or .docx files preferred.

• Images welcome. Please send images saved as jpegs at 72 dpi, and not larger than 5 Mb. • Links to video, audio and downloads are all welcome.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES with

World of BLUEGRASS

IBMA HAS LAUNCHED ITS 2017 WORLD OF BLUEGRASS SPONSORSHIP DRIVE. POSITION YOUR BRAND TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE BIGGEST WEEK IN BLUEGRASS. BECOME A WORLD OF BLUEGRASS SPONSOR! Sponsors partner with us to share our success and they see a return on their investment.

World of Bluegrass is trending up. IBMA and the City of Raleigh have grown World of Bluegrass 50% over four years, boosting attendance to 210k attendees last year, up from 140k the first year in Raleigh in 2013. Over this time, World of Bluegrass has generated $35 million in direct visitor spending. In four short years, World of Bluegrass has become the signature event of the year for the City of Raleigh.

Sponsors partner with us because bluegrass values reflect well on their brand.

Authenticity, loyalty, family and community are values fundamental to the bluegrass lifestyle.

PARTNERING WITH OUR FINE SPONSORS MAKES THESE IBMA EVENTS POSSIBLE: w Business Conference - intensive professional development and networking w Bluegrass Ramble - incubator for new artists and new music w IBMA Awards Show - the biggest night in bluegrass w Wide Open Bluegrass Festival - the finest acts in bluegrass in front of the widest and most diverse fan audiences.

To begin customizing your sponsorship package, contact Susan Woelkers, Sponsorship Development for IBMA. (Susan.gwentertainment@comcast.net; 615-497-4801).

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A sample page from the 2017 sponsorship brochure IBMA shares with potential sponsors

YOUR BRAND'S REACH at WORLD OF BLUEGRASS

10,000-30,000 attendees

Thousands of engaged fans with discretionary income. 65% from within 100 mi. of Raleigh. 80% report household incomes above $50k.

3500 attendees

200+ bands. Unique blend of trend-setters, industry leaders, talent buyers and fans. Very engaged audience,70% from within 100 mi. of Raleigh.

2000 attendees The best in our industry plus our most dedicated fans. Satellite broadcast, radio replay, live-streaming and international press extend reach beyond 160,000. Very engaged audience.

1500+ attendees

Industry leaders, influencers, top businesses: labels, artists, management, print media, broadcast, event production. Highly focused audience.

IBMA enjoys an interactive reach of over 170,000 via our social channels during World of Bluegrass, and a far greater reach via radio replay of our Awards Show.

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2017 BLUEGRASS RAMBLE | SEPT 26-28 APPLICATIONS: NOW through February 28th Photos by Willa Stein

THE 2017 BLUEGRASS RAMBLE WILL TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER 26 - 28,

once again in beautiful downtown Raleigh, NC. All emerging bands plus established bands with new music or new personnel are encouraged to apply. The application process is now open and runs through February 28th.

Each selected band will showcase at least twice during World of Bluegrass Week—once on a convention center stage and once at a local Bluegrass Ramble venue.

IF YOU’RE SELECTED… What’s in it for the bands In addition to the two showcase opportunities, the IBMA showcase package includes: • Full conference registration package for performing members of group (value $1000+) • Complimentary booth space during business conference (value $600+) • One organizational membership for group (value $205) • Featured profile in conference program and on the WOB smart phone app • Inclusion of one mp3 on the 2017 IBMA Bluegrass Ramble Mixtape via Noisetrade. (Download mixtapes from prior years for free.)

• Featured promotion on social media by IBMA • Priority access to Gig Fair appointments • Scheduled consultation in advance of events on maximizing showcase opportunities

APPLICATION DEADLINES & FEES

Online application for IBMA showcases must be submitted by FEBRUARY 28, 2017. All applicants are required to submit a $25 fee to help defray selection process costs. If invited to participate as an official showcase artist, there is an additional fee of $500 to offset costs of services and showcase production.

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WOB 2017 NEWS

APPLICATION PROCESS What you need to know to be prepared:

• Showcase applications can be made online.

• Applicant does not have to be an IBMA member

In addition to general application information, the following materials will be needed to complete the application: • Name, email, and role (i.e. banjo, fiddle) of each member of the applying act • One studio recording (mp3 format only) • One Hi-Res artist photo • An artist bio with artist location, names/roles of band members (if known at time of application), description of the artist’s sound, and note of any recently released recordings • A stage plot (PDF or JPEG) indicating locations of instruments, instrument mics, vocal mics, and any other equipment (i.e. amp, pre-amp)

Up to 30 showcase artists will be invited in 2017, depending on the number of applicants and the qualifications of groups that apply. IBMA showcase artists are chosen in a juried selection process that takes into consideration every applicant’s entertainment value, level of professionalism, potential appeal and quality of work. There are generally more than 150 acts who apply every year.

Official IBMA showcase acts from the 2016 Bluegrass Ramble are NOT eligible for 2017. Official acts from 2015 are eligible. HOWEVER, preference is typically given to acts who have not been selected as an Official IBMA Showcase Act within two years.

APPLY FOR AN OFFICIAL IBMA SHOWCASE HERE

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WOB 2017 ON-SALE DATE ANNOUNCEMENT

HERE IS AN OVERVIEW OF IBMA’S 2017 ON-SALE DATE. WE WILL HAVE MORE DETAILS FOR YOU AS WE GET CLOSER TO APRIL. MEMBERS ONLY: ON-SALE DATE 4/4/17 ACCESSING HOTEL RESERVATIONS Upon purchasing a Business Conference registration, For all WOB registrations and tickets Registration and tickets for ALL Events, Exhibit Booths, and Hotel Rooms go on sale for members only on April 4 at 10 AM Central. PLEASE NOTE: Members will use a special access code that will be emailed to them a few days ahead of the on-sale date. (New members joining around and after the on-sale date will find their code in their membership confirmation email).

IBMA encourages you to get your membership now. The best hotel rooms and the best seats at the Red Hat Main Stage sell out extremely quickly.

Registration and tickets go on sale for non-members April 18 at 10 AM Central.

HELPFUL LINKS Join today for members’ priority access.

Find an overview of World of Bluegrass 2017.

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Exhibit Booth registration, Red Hat Main Stage Festival Tickets, or Awards Show tickets, you will be provided an access link to hotel rooms. Our ticket and registration sales are handled by Etix. Once you’ve made your purchase, direct links and phone information for reservations in the Raleigh Marriott City Center and Sheraton Raleigh Hotel will be found both on the Etix website confirmation page AND in the confirmation email sent by Etix.com. Please note: IBMA will have no access to your hotel confirmation information.

We will be sharing information on more options for lodging beyond the Marriott and Sheraton in the coming months.

PLEASE NOTE: Stand-alone purchases of Ramble passes do not include the access link to the Marriott and Sheraton hotel rooms.

IBMA at FOLK ALLIANCE FEB 15-19

IBMA executive director Paul Schiminger and convention services director Eddie Huffman will be at Folk Alliance International February 15th-19th. As part of IBMA’s mission to find a wider audience for bluegrass music, they will be hosting a booth in the exhibit hall. In addition, IBMA will sponsor an evening showcase highlighting the possibilities for crossover between bluegrass and folk, featuring the Surly Gentlemen, Front Country, 10 String Symphony, Trout Steak Revival, the Steel Wheels and the Lonely Heartstring Band in the Shawnee Mission room.

On Friday, February 17th, Schiminger is a panelist at the seminar “Take Me to Your Leader”. He’ll join Folk Alliance International’s Aengus Finnan, the Blues Foundation’s Barbara Newman, and the Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly. Folk Alliance’s website says they will “answer questions personal and professional, discuss industry collaboration and competition, mission focus, and vigorously debate the top 5 albums of all time”.

Find out more at folkconference.org.

HEADLINE HERE

BLUEGRASS TRUST FUND ONLINE CAMPAIGN Last November, IBMA launched a new end-of-year campaign in 2016 to raise money for the Bluegrass Trust Fund. Donations through our website brought in $3142.95. In addition, IBMA members Straight Up Strings/Siminoff Banjo and Mandolin Parts raised $150 for the Trust Fund through a special t-shirt sale. A Facebook “Giving Tuesday” fundraiser for the Bluegrass Trust Fund, launched the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, brought in $375. Total online funds raised: $3667.95. We are deeply thankful for the generosity of our members. Together, as bluegrass professionals, we help our own in times of emergency need.

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SMOKY MOUNTAIN STRONG:

A Bluegrass Benefit An impressive lineup of bluegrass artists will perform Feb. 10-11 in Pigeon Forge, TN. Proceeds will benefit those affected by recent wildfires in East Tennessee via the Dollywood Foundation Wildfire Scholarship Fund. This new fund provides financial aid to students whose homes were lost to the fires.

Many IBMA award winners and members are involved: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Grascals, Lonesome River Band, Flatt Lonesome, Barry Bales & Friends, Volume 5, and NewTown will be among the performers donating their time and talents for this benefit. Talent is being provided by Josh Trivett and Moonstruck Management.

Says Doyle Lawson, “As an East Tennessee native, I’ve been especially moved by the mountain tough spirit of my neighbors in the aftermath of this event. I am excited and humbled to participate in this two-night bluegrass celebration offering relief and support for some well-deserving folks.” Lawson was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, and resides in Bristol, Tennessee. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver is a member of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Hall of Fame, seven–time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year Award winner and has four Grammy Award nominations for best bluegrass album.

There is no promotion budget for this event; all efforts to spread the word are appreciated. You can help by sharing the SMOKY MOUNTAIN STRONG FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE with your friends.

“For these stellar artists to step up and donate their time and talents to support Sevier County families is beyond belief,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “This two-night music event will help ensure that Sevier County students receive scholarship funds and that’s an important investment in the students’ future—and ours.”

Tickets are on sale at knoxvilletickets.com or at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism offices.

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HEADLINE HERE

Photo by Maria Camillo

biggest week in bluegrass

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NEW RELEASES

CD Reviews by Shelby Williamson Blue Mafia Hanging Tree (Pinecastle Records)

Blue Mafia returns stronger than ever: three part harmonies subtle and strong, their picking fast, and the backbeat pulsing. Tony Wray’s formidable guitar work, Dara Wray’s lead vocals with just the right amount of ache, and fiddler Kent Todd’s uncanny sense of where to put that third harmony voice all breathe life into the material. “Hanging Tree” takes you from a hard life in the mines with “Like a Mining Man”, to the loving, comforting, and mellow “Who Are You”. Their take on old Monroe and Stanley classics and clever new originals (“Midnight Rain”, co-written by Dara Wray’s mother Cindy Denman along with Craig Market), easily blend in with a tune from The Hunger Games, the title track, in the mix. Despite the somber name of Blue Mafia’s third album, Hanging Tree taps into pure bluegrass joy.”

Blue Mafia is Tony Wray (guitar and vocals), Dara Wray (vocals, mandolin and songwriting), Kent Todd (fiddle and vocals), Curtis Bumgarner (banjo), and Mike Gregory (bass).

Website Video

Fresh Takes Sierra Hull has a video going viral these days. While she has some beautiful videos with lush production values online from her latest release, “Weighted Mind”, this particular video started out in the laundry room…

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INDUSTRY NEWS BROADCAST

WAMU TRANSFERS BLUEGRASS MUSIC SERVICE TO BLUEGRASS COUNTRY FOUNDATION WAMU 88-5 and the Bluegrass Country Foundation are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement to continue operation of Bluegrass Country on 105-5FM, WAMU 88-5 HD 2 and streaming at bluegrasscountry.org.

Starting February 6, 2017, the Bluegrass Country Foundation will take over the responsibility for the operation and funding of the service. Listeners can expect the same mix of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music from their favorite hosts as well as new offerings in the near future. Under the agreement, the foundation will broadcast under WAMU’s FCC license.

“We all had the same desire which was to have the WAMU bluegrass legacy continue,” said WAMU General Manager JJ Yore. “With a mutual goal in mind, we worked quickly and collaboratively so there would be no loss of service for our bluegrass community”.

Bluegrass debuted on WAMU in 1967 offering the community a nearly 50year tradition of this uniquely American art form. But during the last 20 years, the demographics of WAMU’s listeners changed and WAMU management made the decision to focus the station’s financial resources and creative energy on news and information.

february 2017

EVENT PRODUCERS A search was conducted to find an organization that had the means to support the service and we are pleased to announce that the Bluegrass Country Foundation will take over the service on Monday, February 6th. The Foundation was established to seek financing to continue bluegrass, Americana and roots music in the tradition of WAMU’s Bluegrass Country.

Listeners will continue to enjoy programming from Gary Henderson who will host “Stained Glass Bluegrass”, Dick Spottswood, Lee Michael Demsey, Al Steiner, Lisa K. Howard and others. The new service will welcome back familiar past hosts and shows like Chris Teskey and e-Town while bidding farewell to Katy Daley, Rosemarie Nielsen, Jay Bruder and Bill Foster who plan to support bluegrass in other ways. With a few exceptions, the nearly 50 years of bluegrass programming heard on WAMU will be available for their use.

“We are proud to become the stewards of such an important resource and we look forward to bringing bluegrass and related roots music to a new generation of listeners,” said Jeff Ludin, president of the nonprofit Bluegrass Country Foundation. “We thank WAMU management for its support and creative thinking to help us achieve what few thought was possible.”

WAMU 88.5 is licensed to American University and began broadcasting in 1961.

[IB received this news story from WAMU.]

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EMELIN THEATER CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY

In recognition of its 35th anniversary, the Emelin Theatre offers up top talent in their “Celebrating Bluegrass at the Emelin” series. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver perform on February 17th, Tony Trischka Territory will perform on March 10th, and Seldom Scene on April 21st. Find tickets at emelin.org.

JOHN HARTFORD MEMORIAL FESTIVAL

The John Hartford Memorial Festival will be held May 31-June 3, 2017 at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground in Bean Blossom, Indiana.

With three stages for performances, constant campfire jams, a songwriting contest, and fiddle and banjo contests, this festival offers a fitting tribute to its namesake. This year’s lineup includes Steep Canyon Rangers, Travelin’ McCourys and the Jeff Austin Band with The Grateful Ball. More info can be found at hartfordfest.com.

ASSOCIATIONS

EVENT PRODUCERS PEMI VALLEY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

DC BLUEGRASS UNION’S BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MARCH 10-11

Tickets are now available for the Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival’s 25th anniversary, Wednesday-Saturday August 2-5, 2017. The lineup includes the Del McCoury Band, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, the Gibson Brothers, the Boxcars, the Special Consensus, and more. There are new campsites and camping areas available this year, and the festival has now expanded to four days. Visit pemivalleybluegrass.com for more info.

ARTISTS & COMPOSERS/LABELS THE KRUGER BROTHERS ANNOUNCE 2017 TOUR

The Kruger Brothers have announced their 2017 tour, in celebration of twenty years since their first American performances. The group’s unique melding of classical, folk, and bluegrass music has led them to much success through the years, including a wellreceived set last year at the Wide Open Bluegrass Red Hat Main Stage. Spring will also bring the release of their new album, The Roan Mountain Suite.

For more information and dates, visit krugerbrothers.com.

The DC Bluegrass Festival will be held Friday March 10th and Saturday March 11th, 2017, at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel in Washington D.C. The Steep Canyon Rangers and Flatt Lonesome, among many others, will be performing, and there will be great jamming to be had. Visit dcbluegrassfest.org for more information.

ALSO FROM DCBU, winners of the Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest will be announced February 15th.

Find out more here.

STEELDRIVERS’ FIRST ALBUM TO BE RE-RELEASED ON VINYL

The SteelDrivers’ self-titled debut album from 2008 will be available everywhere on vinyl as of February 10th.

Released on Rounder Records, their first album earned them a GRAMMY® nomination, and traveled far enough to win over pop singer Adele, who later recorded “If It Hadn’t Been for Love”.

Having already sold 100,000 copies, “The SteelDrivers” album seems primed to make the crossover to the LP format.

Founding front man Chris Stapleton, heard on the 2008 release, has since moved on. The band’s current lineup – Gary Nichols, Tammy Rogers, Mike Fleming, Brent Truitt, and Richard Bailey – won 2016’s Best Bluegrass Album GRAMMY, and is nominated for two more awards in 2017. Find them at thesteeldrivers.com.

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SAVE THE DATES

IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2017 SEPTEMBER 26-30

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International Bluegrass Music Association empowering the global bluegrass community